ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the major tenets of positive psychology and reviews the evidence-based research on how positive psychology factors impact a variety of physical health issues. It offers suggestions on how positive psychology principles and interventions can be incorporated into any lifestyle medicine practice. The goal of Positive Psychology, a science that focuses on human strengths, is to increase well-being and flourishing in individuals and groups. The main goal of positive psychology, according to Seligman, is to increase well-being and flourishing in individuals and groups. The major elements of well-being can be summed up in the PERMA model. A number of chronic disease studies have demonstrated associations between well-being and improved health outcomes for patients with cardiovascular disease. One method of introducing positive psychology principles into a lifestyle medicine practice is through both incidental and more focused conversations that occur throughout the patient visit. The advancement of positive emotions and well-being is synergistic with the advancement of physical health.
